Renesting Project assists with household furnishings for people in need

For the past 15 years, the Renesting Project has assisted individuals and families transitioning from homelessness by providing essential furnishings and household items.

Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden, executive director, explained that this helps build a stable and comfortable home environment. It also provides dignity in their dwelling.

The Renesting Project celebrated its 15th anniversary with a special ribbon cutting in partnership with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 22 at 1331 Driftwood Drive in Bossier City. An open house with a tour of the warehouse followed.

The office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Drop-offs can be made during those times. Renesting is volunteer-powered; Manchester-Sanden is the only full-time employee. Pickups can be requested to remove the items from the home, for instance, in case of an estate sale ending on a strict timeframe.

Nestfest was their fundraiser held at the Bossier Municipal Complex, but it lost momentum while going virtual during COVID-19. It is now rebranded and held on Driftwood Drive. That way, attendees get the opportunity to see the work in action, Manchester-Sanden said, adding that it is also more cost-effective. It will be held on Sept. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The Renesting Project accepts and provides gently used furniture and household items, including pens, pencils and notepads. It offers a wide array of items, including home décor, unstained linens, irons and kitchen items — can openers and oven mitts — but not major appliances.

They have partner agencies with which they work to verify people in need. Two are the Veterans Administration and Faith and Fostering. “We tap into their expertise,” Manchester-Sanden said. Community partners are First Methodist and First Presbyterian churches and the Rotary Club.

Their initial geographic area was Caddo-Bossier, which has expanded to nine parishes in Northwest Louisiana, coordinating with the Louisiana Emergency Response Network. For now, delivery is only available in Caddo and Bossier parishes.

There is a donation tab with more information at www.renestingprojectinc.org.